Built in the 1850s, this grand Victorian villa was lovingly transformed for an international family whose heritage crossed continents and who sought a “forever home” that balanced beauty, practicality and comfort.
Tollgard Studio worked in close collaboration with architects BLDA, project managers Webster Hart and contractors Bascomb Drew on the project.
The design process began with Tollgard’s Questions of Living, an in-depth exploration of the clients’ lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. The resulting concept celebrates an old-meets-new dialogue, honouring the home’s architectural heritage with traditional mouldings and panelled doors, while introducing contemporary elements in the basement and lower ground floors that include Crittall glazing, refined joinery and a striking, sculptural staircase that links all floors.
There are two connected strands that inform the project’s Red Thread, or design DNA. The first rule is to bring light and life into the house: the southern hemisphere’s pull towards connection, colour and vibrancy. The second is the call for balance, precision and formality, achieved through architectural rigour and an elevated design language.
We were able to achieve both through the interrogation of the architectural envelope: BLDA were able to open the house up in most directions, creating additional open-plan space in the lower two floors, and extending out into the garden and terrace. The introduction of Crittall openings into the staircase brings light throughout the house and links the two design languages through a central core.
Colour and material palettes transition from vibrant, art-filled entertaining spaces on the lower levels to softer, more tranquil tones in the private areas above. Comfort, functionality and light flow were paramount, from durable finishes in high-traffic areas to carefully integrated comfort cooling and underfloor heating.
The fireplace in the formal living room is clad with bronze and brass metal from De Castelli to add a degree of contemporary formality to the room, elongating and balancing a space with challenging angles and proportions. Key furniture pieces anchor the lower ground floor: the sofa and Giorgetti Janet armchair introduce refined comfort
The redesigned, sculptural staircase became the project’s central statement, an elegant, curving form that connects the classic and contemporary layers of the house. On the lower ground floor, the open-plan living and dining area captures the project’s essence, a harmonious blend of practicality and warmth, brought to life with a sunny palette and sculptural lighting by Gabriel Scott.
The result is a London home that feels effortlessly timeless. Every detail, from the curve of the staircase to the play of light across natural materials, reflects the family’s story and the integrity of the architecture, where heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary living meet in perfect balance. For us, head meets heart to create a family home that creates connections and gently zings with joy.
This is what our client had to say:
“We had a great experience with Monique and her team. They have been the driving force behind our three-year refurbishment project. Monique in particular took us on a real journey, well understanding our taste, whilst also helping us to discover new styles and ideas that ultimately led to a result well beyond our initial expectations. We can highly recommend Monique and her team.”
Architect: BLDA Architects
Contractor: Bascombe & Drew
Project Manager: Webster Hart
